Two of boxing’s biggest icons are set to collide in an event few thought possible. Mike Tyson and Floyd Mayweather Jr. announced Thursday that they will face each other in a spring 2026 exhibition promoted by CSI Sports/Fight Sports.
The location and exact date remain unconfirmed, but the bout will be staged under exhibition rules, with shorter rounds and extra-padded gloves, following regulations by the Association of Boxing Commissions.
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Tyson, 58, last appeared in the ring in November against Jake Paul, fading quickly after the opening round in what was deemed more spectacle than sport. Still, the former heavyweight champion is embracing another crossover showcase. “This fight is something neither the world nor I ever thought would happen. I still can’t believe Floyd wants to do this. It’s going to be detrimental to his health, but he wants to do it,” Tyson said.
Mayweather, 48, remains unbeaten in 50 professional bouts and has kept his name active through a series of exhibitions since retiring in 2017. “You already know that if I am going to do something, it’s going to be big and it’s going to be legendary. This exhibition will give the fans what they want,” he said.
CSI Sports, led by Richard and Craig Miele, believe Tyson-Mayweather will surpass the success of Tyson’s 2024 exhibition with Paul, which streamed to more than 100 million live viewers on Netflix. A global marketing push and new broadcast technology have been promised to maximize the event’s reach.
While no official venue has been locked in, expectations are that the fight will be staged in a major global arena, with pay-per-view and streaming records again in sight.
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